Fiona is a freshman here at St. Francis and is her class treasurer. She
has also been involved in a few on-campus clubs, and participates in
CSF. Outside of school, Fiona has been a member of Sacramento Theatre
Company’s Young Professionals Conservatory for three years. She is also
a Girl Scout and has earned her Silver and Bronze Award.
Chase the Race 2016:
Reporting on the Republican Debate
By Fiona Ross ’19
Envision is a program that offers career and leadership experiences for students around the
world. I have been lucky enough to be invited to multiple Envision leadership summer camps, and
have always had a wonderful time. As an alumni, they provide opportunities in career fields in
which you may be interested. One of these opportunities is Chase the Race. I filmed a video and sent
it to Envision, and they selected 27 finalists from across the United States. Then, my supportive
friends and family voted for me on Facebook to represent Envision as one of the twelve Chase the
Race reporters this year.
I had an incredible experience as a Chase the Race 2016 reporter, and I learned a great deal
about the fast paced world of journalism. Talking to the students at University of Houston and a
political science professor allowed me to see a unique perspective on the presidential campaigns.
Also, having the opportunity to interview Chris Cuomo, a television journalist with CNN, gave me
an insightful look into his profession. Some more memorable moments were sitting at the CNN
news desk, and seeing Ben Carson, albeit just the back of his head, and he’s no longer in the race.
The students at University of Houston had truly eye opening opinions about the election,
and were very open on how they felt about candidates and what issues are facing the youth today.
Recurring issues that the youth on campus spoke about were college costs, women’s rights and
religious tolerance. I was not surprised to find out these issues mattered to the students at the
University of Houston because it is one of the most diverse colleges in the country, and many of
my fellow Troubies had similar opinions when I interviewed them before leaving for Houston.
Students are worried about how much college is going to cost them, and many of the people I spoke
to felt as if Bernie Sanders was the only candidate with a plan for how they will afford higher education. When I talked to Dr. Murray, a political science professor from University of Houston, he
told me that today’s youth is the first generation questioning the “American Dream”, and if they are
going to have a better or more successful future than their parents.
Dr. Murray also mentioned how this election is not only changing the game for future campaigns, but it is changing the dynamic of social acceptability. We have candidates like Donald
Trump, who has said outrageous things, but still has a large following, and is ahead in the polls. This
election is making voters question how outrageous a candidate can act and still win the election.
We are currently at a crucial moment in the election cycle, and it was eye-opening to experience
one of the events up close. The next nine months will be a roller coaster of policies and debates for
both parties until citizens finally vote for the candidate they believe will best lead our nation. I believe the youth’s voice is pertinent to the outcome of this election, and that everyone with the ability
to vote should take advantage of that opportunity. The youth in America make up a voice of change.
This voice of change is calling out for a candidate who speaks to their needs of affordable higher
education, equal rights, and religious tolerance. Regardless of who the youth of America vote for in
November, they will have been engaged in this election and have played a pivotal role in the process.
Spring 2016 29